A: The Speakers
Network Worldwide is a resource for you that can really help
defray some of the anxiety of booking
a speaker. Choosing the right speaker, placing your request
for the speaker in a timely manner, making sure you are matching
the speaker selection to your audience, your theme and the
message you want to convey are all essential pieces to this
puzzle. The Speakers Network Worldwide is sensitive to these
issues will help you in the process. Just like choosing a
professional for doing your taxes, our professional agents
will understand the process and work closely with you to
see your project through to the end. It is building a relationship
that communicates in a two-way manner that will make working
together a satisfying venture.

A: In most cases, the answer is yes. If someone is of celebrity
status, than in that case, the answer most often will be
no. Their schedules just do not allow for more phone calls.
But if you are not working with a celebrity type speaker,
ask us to schedule a conference call for you. It is a service
readily available to you and we think it is a great opportunity
to get the feel of how this person will address your audience
before you ever make that decision.

A: A great way for you to get “more for your money” is
to invite a speaker to present the kick-off keynote, and
for a small additional fee, have the speaker do a breakout
session targeted to a more specific topic. Speaker fees are
generally broken down into keynote, half-day, and full day.
If you schedule a speaker in the early morning for the keynote
and then follow right on with the breakout, you will most
likely pay the half-day fee, but this is a big savings to
paying two different speakers. Speakers ask that you keep
the two sessions within the same part of the day, as opposed
to a morning keynote and an afternoon breakout.

Another thought
is to have the speaker present the keynote and then facilitate
a panel discussion of possibly your industry
experts. Many will agree to this and again, you will get “more
for your money.”

Q: If I don’t see a speaker listed on your
website, does that mean you can not get him or her for me?

A: By no means,
no! Our database of speakers is over 10,000. Our now twenty-six-year
history in the business has exposed
us to many, many people and the list continues to change
every week. If the individual you are looking for is willing
to address an audience we can find them for you.

Q: Do I have to bring the name of the speaker to you or will
you make suggestions.

A: We work both ways with our clients.
Most often, we are offering names and ideas to help you execute
the best meeting
possible. But, that said, we often are asked to find a certain
person, author, celebrity the meeting planner is thinking
would be great for their meeting.

A: With our history in
the business, we have established many relationships not only
with speakers, but agents who
represent political figures, authors and celebrities of all
kinds. Even the entertainment industry is included in this
group. And, we are “on” 24 – 7 when it
comes to your meeting details. Here is a true story of how
this works for you, the client:

A well-known coach was scheduled
to address our client’s
audience of 2000 attendees. Just 30 hours before the event,
he was asked to give the eulogy at a close friend’s
funeral. That meant he had to cancel our engagement with
good reason. The client was very understanding and we all
went to bat to find their kick-off speaker for their major
annual event. The preferred replacement was exclusive with
an agency we have worked closely with for over ten years.
We worked through the night and by mid-day the next day,
the flight plans and details for the new “well-known” speaker
were set. Just 18 hours later, he arrived in the venue city
and delivered a standing ovation presentation.

The message
to this story is that is takes much more than “just
another name,” to accommodate a change like that. It
took a relationship………it took many relationships
to provide such seamless service. And it took working through
the evening to make the connections.

A: Generally,
the answer to this question is no. However, more and more speakers
are assigning an inclusive fee so
expenses do not have to be billed separately. However, you
should know this in advance so this does not surprise you.
You normally plan on having the expenses billed after the
event so a true picture of exactly what the charges were
will be billed to you.

A: In most cases either
the speaker themselves, or the bureau for the speaker. Most
often speakers want the flexibility
to look at their schedule and make the decisions without
too many phone calls. The speaker is aware of the possibilities
of changes and likes to have control over their tickets to
accommodate those changes.

At the time of being quoted for
the speaker, your agent will also tell the requirements for
travels, i.e., first
class, business class, private jet service.

Q: Will SNW help me with the purchase of books and materials
from the speaker prior to the meeting?

A: By all means, yes.
Also, when you pre-purchase a speaker’s
book, often times there is a quantity discount that can help
you with the cost of the book. Some of our clients actual
have book plates pre-signed by the author to be placed in
the books prior to the event.